South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
BEACH GUIDE 2020
200 NE 21st Ave.; 954-480-4413, Deerfield-beach.com
If you’re looking for a popular, family-friendly beach, Deerfield is for you. This hub is always bustling, no matter the day. People of all ages frequent the shore to swim, surf, snorkel and play, while others stroll or exercise on the nearby boardwalk. It’s typically packed with a small crowd around the monitor of Spinner the Sea Camera, the beach’s underwater camera. A big screen, located by the start of the pier, shows a video feed from Spinner. It can be viewed online at the city’s website as well as in-person.
The water is not the only draw, however. Plenty of restaurants line the streets, so visitors can find anything from pizza to lobster to chai tea. But do be prepared for a parking wait or walk. Busy is great, except when it seems there’s no open space in sight.
COVID-19 precautions: Masks are required to be worn on the pier if you are within 6 feet of another person. On the beach, groups are limited to 10 people or less.
Lifeguards: 9 a.m. -5 p.m. daily at nine towers
Bathroom conditions: good Activities: Surfing is restricted to north of the pier; swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, exercising, boogie-boarding and picnicking are permitted in both directions. Fishing is allowed off the pier itself with a maximum of three poles per person and is limited to four-hour shifts of 25 people maximum. Animals and alcohol are prohibited on the beach and pier.
Parking: Pier parking and pay-byplate street parking spots are available daily for $2-$4 between 6 a.m. to midnight north of Southeast First Street; 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. south of Southeast First Street; and 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. between Southeast Fifth Street and Southeast Sixth Street. A pay-byplate lot is also available with Asta Parking across the street from Oceans 234 restaurant for $20 for four hours.
Pier hours: 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. for fishing, which costs $4, and 24 hours for sightseeing, which costs $1.
Red Reef Park, 1400 N. Ocean Blvd., Boca Raton;
561-393-7974 Spanish River Park, 3001 N. Ocean Blvd., Boca Raton;
561-393-7815
If you’re looking for a fun snorkeling spot, Red Reef Park has you covered. North of Palmetto Park Road, the 67-acre park offers a variety of familyfriendly activities, including snorkeling by the reef off the Atlantic Ocean. Less than half a mile north, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center provides more nature-themed attractions with its marine aquariums and sea turtle rehabilitation facility.
Head north to Spanish River Park and you’ll be able to bring your dog along for a beach getaway. Between lifeguard towers 18-20, Bark Beach allows pups to roam the sand and water during allotted hours — just make sure you have a permit beforehand ($31 per dog for Boca residents; $167 for non-residents).
Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset (normal hours); 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (temporary hours)
Lifeguards :9a.m.to5 p.m.
Activities: Fishing on the Intracoastal (license required), snorkeling, nature trails
Parking: $20 daily inside the park; metered parking on Spanish River Boulevard between the Intracoastal and A1A at $3 per hour with a maximum of four hours; metered parking at the golf course across from Red Reef Park at $3 per hour.
Coronavirus restrictions: Limited restrooms open; beach park playgrounds and picnic pavilions closed until further notice; CDC social distancing guidelines including no more than 10 people per party and distancing of six feet between people.
Pier : No